Candlebox set to rock Nevermind

October 11, 2018

Multi-platinum rock band Candlebox, along with singer Pete RG, come to Cape Coral this Saturday outside of Nevermind Bar as part of the Seattle-based groups 25th anniversary tour.

Pearl Jam original drummer, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dave Krusen, will be behind the kit for both sets.

"We played down here a year or two ago and it's a beautiful area," said Candlebox, as well as Pete RG bassist Adam Kury. "There is a thriving culture and the area is continuing to grow-as well as friendly people."

Article Photos

Lead singer Kevin Martin (center), and his band Candlebox, will be rocking South Cape Saturday night at Nevermind.

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Candlebox bassist Adam Kury, far right, and his other band Pete RG will openfor Candlebox Saturday night at Nevermind in Cape Coral.

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The band came to prominence in the '90s when their self-titled album sold more than 4 million copies and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard's top album charts-featuring singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind" and "Cover Me."

The group, following two more albums, disbanded in early 2000 due to contract disputes with label Maverick Records.

It wasn't until 2006 when plans for a "best of" record brought the band back together, and in 2007, Kury joined, replacing Bardi Martin as their bassist.

"I had been working with Kevin (Martin, lead vocalist) since '02," Kury said of his somewhat smooth transition into Candlebox.

The two had been part of the band Hiwatts, named after the popular amplifier brand, and a favorite project of Kury.

"For a year and a half, I felt we were the most dangerous band in the world," he said of Hiwatts. "Kevin is so good at what he does. It's inspirational."

Growing up with a father in the Navy, Kury traveled all over the world as a kid.

His love for music came from his dad, who he said had an extensive record collection, and has early memories of listing to The Beatles.

At around age 8 or 9, Kury knew he wanted to play the guitar, but got bored easily in his school band program.

While attending junior high in Alaska, he figured he'd try to once again pick up the instrument, when his band teacher said that they really needed a bassist, and the rest as they say, is history.

"I knew if I could play guitar, I could be in a band. But I knew if I could play the bass, I could be in a really good band," Kury joked.

He is always pushing himself to get better, even now, and loves to be musically challenged.

"I've gotten into bands where I've been in over my head, and I liked that. I've always wanted to be challenged so that I could grow to another level," he said.

He only had a few days to prepare for his first show with Candlebox, in Seattle no-less.

Kury remembers being excited, though a bit nervous, as the set list walkthrough earlier in the day was a brief one, and he quickly had to become performance ready in a short window of time.

"It was definitely nerve-wracking, especially being in front of the hometown fans," he said.

Candlebox is known for their amazing shows and high-energy performances.

The band will play hits that launched their careers, as well as tracks from across all six albums, including their latest CD, "Disappearing in Airports."

"This tour is for our fans, those that have continued to support us for 25 years," said frontman Martin in a press release. "It's been an honor to play for them throughout the years and we feel truly fortunate that our music continues to resonate with our audience. We can't wait to hit the road for this one - I think people will be in for some big surprises!"

Indie rocker Pete RG will also be performing at Nevermind Bar, formally of the band Last December, he brings a little less heaviness with a smooth coffee shop voice.

His name, taken from a childhood nickname, Argy, from his last name, Argyropolous, is how he became Pete RG.

"We're excited to finally do a full tour in October and support our good friends Candlebox," said RG in a release. "Fans can expect a lot of new music from our forthcoming album 'Whatever We Want, Whenever We Want,' as well as some even newer songs that we haven't recorded yet. We like to test and refine songs in front of a crowd before recording them. Audiences are very honest. Plus, it puts some hair on your chest, as a band; except for Brina, of course!"

Kury said that Pete RG is an alternative rock artist, without the heaviness of Candlebox and was recently referred to as, "Neil Diamond on steroids."

"We're writing material all the time," Kury said of his work with Pete RG.

Kury finds his inspiration from old and new projects, and that balancing the two bands, and their creative differences, is something he enjoys.

"I love the music; that's what inspires me to keep going," he said. "In the music world, you never know what can happen. I've been lucky. I want to do it until I can't do it anymore. And it wouldn't be possible without my family's support-it can be tough to be away from them."

The friendships and bonds he has made with the people on various projects over the years will have a lasting effect on Kury.

"We're very fortunate that we have such great musicians around us," he said. "We're a band of brothers and friends. This is a great group, I can't say enough about them and we genuinely enjoy spending time hanging together, not just making music."

Doors open at 7 p.m. for general admission, with VIP guests gaining entry at 6.

Tickets are $25 general admission, $50 for VIP that includes food and drinks from Nevermind, and can only be purchased at the bar.